982nd Training Group uses global communication to help Airman's family

  • Published
  • By Dan Hawkins
  • 82nd Training Wing Public Affairs
SHEPPARD AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  When 8-year old Ayden Egan cut his foot on a rock in early September 2011, it didn't seem like a big deal. But when the healing process slowed and Ayden became extremely lethargic, Tech. Sgt. Richard Egan and his wife Holly knew something was wrong.


As a parent, Egan, an F-15 Mission Ready Airman apprentice course instructor assigned to the 372d Training Squadron, Detachment 1, at Seymour-Johnson Air Force Base, N.C., was hoping for the best and fearing the worst.


Unfortunately for Ayden, after a long battery of tests, he was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia.


The good news was A.L.L. is one of the types of leukemia that has a higher chance of remission if caught and treated early enough.


It didn't take long for news of Ayden's diagnosis to spread around the global network of training detachments assigned to the 982nd TRG, headquartered at Sheppard AFB, Texas.


Being able to communicate effectively across two squadrons totaling 46 detachments situated around the world may sound easy in today's modern age, but that's not always the case.


Combining effective communication principles and compassion for a fellow instructor, the 982nd Training Group jumped into action immediately.


"One of the best things to come of this situation is how efficiently the communication chain worked across the globe in the group," said Maj. David Benedict, 372nd TRS commander. "Once everyone knew about the situation, individual detachments took over from there and started organizing their own fund-raisers to help the family."


Initially using the notification pyramid inside the group to get the word out, Master Sgt. Troy Small, first sergeant of the 982nd TRG, also utilized the Airman Family and Readiness Center to solicit information on resources available to the family in the North Carolina area.


With Ayden being treated at Pitt-Memorial Hospital in Greenville, N.C., a 120-mile round trip from the family's home, it didn't take long for the expenses to start to add up.


Once the group knew about the situation, it didn't take long for the Airmen to start moving forward to help ease the Egan's financial burden.


Fund-raisers were held at several detachment locations from both the 372d TRS and the 373rd TRS, including events at Royal Air Force Lakenheath, Kirtland AFB, N.M. and Joint Base Charleston.


So far, over $5,000 dollars have been raised through the different events to help offset the family's expenses.


Throughout Ayden's battle with leukemia, the family's strength and courage is evident to those around them.


"I believe the entire family feeds off each other's strength," said Capt. Guillermo Torres, 372nd TRS, Detachment 1 commander. "It seems the entire family is inspired by how Ayden bounces back from each treatment and in return, they make every effort to keep that wonderful smile on Ayden's face."


The support from the group as a whole has been overwhelming, but it hasn't stopped there. Units not associated with the 82nd Training Wing, to include reserve units, have pitched in.


"It warms my heart to see how instructors throughout the detachments provide the Egan family with whatever kind of assistance that is needed," Torres said. "This experience has shown me how much heart the Air Force community has for its Airmen and it is so reassuring to see that the support for the Egan family will continue to grow."


Egan, who has given to the Air Force Assistance Fund and the Combined Federal Campaign for several years, was appreciative of the support his family has received from multiple sources.


"I've donated through the years to the Air Force Assistance Fund and Combined Federal Campaign," said Egan. "We have stayed at the Ronald McDonald House more in the last three months than our own house. It all ties in and my family is now reaping the benefits of those organizations."


Ayden continues to fight against the disease and his dad was struck by how tough his son is.


"He is a tough kid," Egan said. "There are rough days, but he's still involved with Boy Scouts and school. Being active really helps him stay strong mentally."


Both Egan and his wife Holly had a hard time putting into words how thankful they are to receive the assistance and caring from the entire Air Force.


"We want everyone in the Air Force to know how much we appreciate the support for Ayden and our entire family," Egan said. "It's overwhelming to put it plainly. Am I proud to be in the Air Force...absolutely."